How to Layer Products Effectively
Updated: Jun 8, 2021
It can be really difficult to decipher what order products are meant to follow. Some people are often confused as to which ingredients, products or consistencies are meant to go first. The standard rule states that we should try to layer products in order of consistency - from lightest to thickest. We agree!
So, in the morning, a sample routine could look like:
Cleanse (of course) - this should be the first step to prep your skin for the rest of your routine and to remove impurities from the surface of the skin.
Toner - this is often quite thin watery consistency.
Essence - these are completely optional and many essences often mirror the purpose of hydrating serums. But essences would usually come before serums because they offer an extra preparatory step for product absorption. Essences are (usually) thinner than serums but thicker than toners so it explains why it would come in between
Anti-oxidant / Hydrating serum - This is a great addition to a morning routine as anti-oxidant serums like Vitamin C help protect our skin from free radicals that flow around the air during the day. Hydrating serums help with hydration which helps with anti-aging, barrier repair and so much more. They are also not photosensitive so perfect for day use. (Photosensitive ingredients are acids like AHA's (Mandelic acid, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid) or BHA's (Salicylic Acid), these are best used at Night time.)
Moisturiser: This is far thicker than a serum and would explain why it should be used here. Moisturisers essentially help to seal in everything you have put and prep your skin for sun protection, whilst also helping to prevent dryness.
Sunscreen: We cannot explain how essential sunscreen are to every routine. No matter your age, skin type, or concern - it is paramount to wear adequate sun protection to help promote skin health, prevent skin cancer amongst other benefits. Sunscreens are usually deemed uncomfortable because of their thickness in consistency (which is essential due to the ingredients that help protect us from harmful UVB rays)
At Night time, eye creams would usually be incorporated around the same time as a moisturiser due to their consistency. Sunscreen would be swapped for oils (which are also optional). It is the last step as they provide benefits of occlusion (preventing water loss from the face after your routine). Putting it before moisturiser would prevent the moisture from the cream from penetrating properly into your skin.
We hope this has been benefitial in determining when to use certain products. Always remember our Skinscientists are available to help if you have any more questions! Just reach us on our different platforms!
Happy Shopping with us!